Adventure Collective
Exploring Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & More in 8 Hours - Roma

Exploring Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & More in 8 Hours

Romamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8 hours

Fitness Level

Requires ability to walk and stand for extended periods over uneven terrain and stairs.

Overview

Discover Rome’s ancient heart and Vatican treasures on a seamless 8-hour small group tour. Skip lines and immerse yourself in history, art, and culture from the Colosseum to St. Peter's Basilica.

Roma, Lazio

Colosseum & Ancient Rome+ Lunch + Vatican Museums

8 hours • Skip the line • Small groups • English only • Lunch included

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Adventure Photos

Colosseum & Ancient Rome+ Lunch + Vatican Museums photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour journey through Rome's rich history, art, and religion. Explore the iconic Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, followed by a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, culminating in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Experience the grandeur of Rome like never before!

The tour

A day between history, art and religion! In the morning visit the 3 sites of the Colosseum's Archaeological Park: the Colosseum, one of the most famous monuments in the world, it was used for gladiatorial fights and wild animal hunts and it had a capacity for more than 50.000 people, the Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome where Rome has its origins and today a large open-air museum and the Roman Forum, for centuries the center of Roman public and economic life. After lunch, the guide will meet you at the restaurant to continue the tour at the Vatican Museums, with its immense art collection built up by the Popes throughout the centuries. The itinerary includes Pio Clementino Hall, Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, Maps Gallery, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestries Gallery and one of the most celebrated masterpieces in the world: the Sistine Chapel, with the breathtaking frescoes by Michelangelo. Leaving the Museum, follow your guide along the gigantic walls of the Vatican City and reach St. Peter's Square, dominated by Michelangelo's imposing Cupola and surrounded by the famous Bernini's double Colonnade, which houses St. Peter's Basilica the most important Christian church in the world

Duration

8 hours

Highlights

  • Colosseum
  • Palatine Hill
  • Roman Forum
  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • St. Peter's Basilica (from outside)
  • St. Peter’s Square

Language

English

Included

  • Skip the line entrance tickets
  • Professional licensed guide
  • Headsets
  • Lunch (drinks non included)
  • Pick up service from centrally located hotels (when selected)

Not included

  • Drop off at the hotels

Please note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • The itinerary may vary depending on Colosseum entrance time availability
  • It is forbidden to bring metal objects and big bags
  • It is not permitted to wear shorts, miniskirts and have uncovered shoulders
  • Please advise for any food allergies, dietary restrictions or other special requirements

Meeting point

Big Bus Tours / Brastours Kiosk in Piazza del Colosseo or pick up from centrally located hotels

Adventure Tips

Book Tickets in Advance

Reservations are essential to skip long lines, especially at the Vatican Museums and Colosseum.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect a lot of walking on uneven surfaces; sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Bring a Light Backpack

Carry water, a camera, and a light jacket for sudden weather changes during the tour.

Respect Dress Codes

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered when entering religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons frequent St. Peter’s Square, adding a lively, urban wildlife element.
  • Sparrows and finches are common in the gardens around Palatine Hill.

History

Rome’s Colosseum was completed in 80 AD and held some 50,000 spectators for gladiator games and public events, while the Vatican Museums were established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II.

Conservation

The Vatican Museums have implemented strict visitor limits and preservation policies to protect priceless art, while Rome manages heavy tourism with sustainability initiatives aimed at preserving ancient sites.

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Adventure Hotspots in Roma

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Necessary for navigating cobblestones and variable terrain comfortably.

Light Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during the extensive walking and warm weather.

summer specific

Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protect yourself from strong sun exposure in outdoor areas.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Shawl

Essential

Required for entering churches and cool morning or evening temperatures.

fall specific